The passionate warmth which Massingbred had so successfully controlled in the presence of his visitor burst forth the first moment he found himself alone. He inveighed against the country, the people, their habits, and all belonging to them; cursed his own fate at being ever thrown into such companionship; and wound up by resolving to submit to any terms by which he might quit Galway forever, and forget, for the rest of his days, that he had ever entered it. While he was yet fuming in this fashion, the waiter entered and presented him with a very dirty-looking note, fastened by two wafers, and inscribed “Most private.” Massingbred opened it and read,-- “My dear Mr. M.,--We 're found out--I believe by Hosey Lynch, where I dropped a bullet-mould this morning when he was shaving me. At all events, we 're blown, and as I am under £250 recognizances to keep the peace for three years, I 'm off to the mountains till this passes over. I 'm sure, from what I saw of the Counsellor, that he 'll keep himself open to a proposal elsewhere. Meanwhile, there's nothing for it but to give your bail and satisfy the blackguards--bad luck to them--that spoiled the sport! You can go back to the house when all's over, and I 'll return as soon as it is safe for “Your sincere friend, “T. M.” Scarcely had he finished reading this epistle, when Major Froode presented himself in his chamber, the door of which the waiter was yet holding ajar. Having introduced himself, he briefly informed Massingbred of his position as Mr. Repton's friend, and as briefly stated that the Counsellor had been obliged to pledge himself against any hostile intentions,--a step which, he foresaw, would also be required of him. “For this reason I have come,” continued he, “to say that any assistance I can be of to you is frankly at your service. I have learned that you are a stranger here, and not likely to have many acquaintances.” “If they would be satisfied with my word,” began Jack. “Of course they will, and shall,” interrupted Froode; “and now, what is there in the way of _amende_ my friend can make, for what he is prepared to confess was a mere accident?” “The acknowledgment is ample. I ask for nothing beyond it,” said Massingbred. “I am not quite certain but that my own conduct might require a little explanation; but as your friend's vigor put matters beyond negotiation at the time, we 'll not go back upon bygones.”